wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:59 pm

Summary of Operations 3/23/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 55 days.

Central Pacific: Heavy Jap air patrols (G4M Betty, B6N2 Jill, D4Y Judy) reported by U.S. subs near Kwajalein. Relatively quiet in the Canton Is area and near Pago Pago.

No reported contacts or action by U.S. subs near the Japanese home islands.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. Jap bombing raids on airfield facilities in Tennant Creek and Cooktown. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft (98 fighters total, this is more fighter sweep than bombing attack)
A6M3 Zero x 25
A6M3a Zero x 73
J1N1-R Irving x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
C-47 Dakota: 3 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
71 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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Day Air attack on Cooktown , at 48,100

Japanese aircraft (Jap planes flying in this raid were launched from Portland Roads)
A6M3a Zero x 8
Ki-49 Helen x 17

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 12

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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Allied recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report fighters on CAP, otherwise no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting one Jap TF now in Darwin, Ki-61 fighters on CAP, still 2 Jap LCU's.

British TK Alcides transporting oil from Aden to Australia torpedoed by Jap submarine I-11 outside Perth. TK Alcides severely damaged and oil cargo lost.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Imphal, Dimapur.

USAAF and RAF 2E bombers strike airfield and heavy industry in Rangoon. Jap bombing raid (city strike) on Chittagong. AAR's of both actions follow.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 4
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 50
B-25C Mitchell x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 22 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed, 17 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Heavy Industry hits 4
Airbase hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
11 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 5
Ki-48-II Lily x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-II Lily: 3 destroyed, 17 damaged

Manpower hits 12 (no actual damage)

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet

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Light Jap bombing raids continue against Chinese divisions now withdrawing into Allied lines near Imphal, no significant casualties.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF (includes a BB?), 1 disbanded ship in port, 121 aircraft (18 fighters, 60 bombers), airfield damage 38, 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 44(149).

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Chengtu, Liuchow. Otherwise quiet.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:12 pm

Summary of Operations 3/24/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 54 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalain continue reporting heavy Jap air patrol activity (G4M Betty, B6N2 Jill, D4Y Judy). SS Salmon at Pago Pago reports contact with Jap ASW TF - AAR follows. No activity reported in the Canton Is area.

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Sub attack near Pago Pago at 96,113

Japanese Ships
DD Kuretake
DD Karukaya
DD Fuyo
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
SS Salmon

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U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands reporting very light Jap air patrols, one contact with Jap ASW TF. AAR of contact with Jap ASW TF follows.

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Sub attack at 66,48

Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
DD Numakaze
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

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Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Rarotonga and Auckland, otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight and bombing raid over Tennant Creek, AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 26
A6M3a Zero x 66
J1N1-R Irving x 2
Ki-49 Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 3 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 23

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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No contact with KB or other Jap TF's off NE Australia coast.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's, no Japanese TF or ships at anchor.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 38 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's.

British TK Alcides torpedoed 3/23 off Perth sinks outside Perth. Japanese sub I-11 attacked off Perth by small Australian ASW TF, two hits reported, no significant damage.

DEI: A number of U.S. submarines still operating in this area, no contacts or attacks to report. Very light Jap air patrol activity (one Ki-21 Sally detected).

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. Large Japanese air raid on Chittagong, heavy Hurricane II plane losses decimating the replacement aircraft pool. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 13
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 91
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 67
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 36
Ki-49 Helen x 60
Ki-48-II Lily x 28

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 89

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 28 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 17 destroyed, 33 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 38 damaged
Ki-48-II Lily: 2 destroyed, 14 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 34 destroyed, 21 damaged (destroyed plane count fairly accurate, a number of pilots also lost)

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 27
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 102

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
21 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
9 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
13 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
14 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-48-II Lily bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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RAF Vengence I dive bombers strike Jap airfield in Myitkyina. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 13 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
43 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

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F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF, 1 disbanded ship in port, 119 aircraft (65 fighters, 54 bombers), airfield damage 30, no other significant activity or change.

Allied subs off Rangoon reporting some Jap air patrol activity (Ki-21 Sally, Ki-49 Helen). Dutch sub O-19 attacked and hit by Ki-49 Helen, no damage.

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Chengtu, Tuyun. Otherwise continues quiet.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:00 pm

Summary of Operations 3/25/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 53 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. submarines near Kwajalain again reporting heavy Jap air patrol activity byG4M Betty, B6N2 Jill, D4Y Judy. SS Saury north of Kwajalein attacked and hit by a D4Y Judy, no damage reported. SS Cuttlefish torpedoes CA Myoko west of Kwajalein. AAR follows.

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Sub attack at 79,84

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Torpedo hits 2, on fire (probable heavy damage, no report of sinking)
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Makinami
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish

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Light Jap air patrols reported at Pago Pago, no detected Jap activity near Canton Is.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland, Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.

I do agree with Alfred's statement of several days ago in reference to Pillager sending the KB southward again for another raid. My "gut" opinion, however, points the KB's next target to the shipping route along the southern map edge between Wellington (NZ) and Panama City/Papaete. Recent Jap recon flights over Rarotonga could possibly be a clue. Given the relatively target-poor environment the KB encountered along the Australian east coast, it would not be a surprise Pillager is looking for a more fertile location to conduct his next endeavour if he heads southward again. My guess is that the KB will appear closer to (somewhere east of) New Zealand, timing of this raid is very uncertain.

Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Japanese air strike against airfield in Tennant Creek. Once again, this attack is very heavy in fighters with only a small number of bombers. AAR follows. Reported status of Tennant Creek base - airfield service damage 1, runway damage 0.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 26
A6M3a Zero x 65
J1N1-R Irving x 2
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder: 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 2 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting A6M3a & Ki-45 fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's. No detected Jap TF's or ships anchored in port.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3 fighters on CAP, 62 aircraft (3 fighters, 24 bombers), 4 Jap LCU (-1 from last report).

Hudson I naval search patrol again reports Jap sub (probably I-11) remains off Perth. Allied ASW TF sent to the hex location.

DEI: Light Jap air patrols (Ki-21 Sally) reported, no attacks. Reports of several U.S. sub contacts with enemy ships, AAR's follow.

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Sub attack at 34,64 (Makassar Straits)

Japanese Ships
TK Tonan Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Harder

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Sub attack at 22,54 (near Palembang)

Japanese Ships
ML Tsurushima, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)

Allied Ships
SS Grunion

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India/Burma: Jap bombing attack and a fighter sweep against Chittagong airfield facilities - heavy damage reported. AAR of the bombing raid follows. Reported status at Chittagong base - airfield service damage 43, runway damage 55.

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Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 15
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 12
Ki-49 Helen x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 9 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 22 damaged

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 32

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing at 2000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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Nearly all Allied fighter squadrons are now pulled back to rear area bases due (directly or indirectly) to shortage of P-40E and Hurricane II fighter planes in the replacement pools. This pullback is in effect for front-line squadrons operating in India and NW Australia.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 1 Jap TF, 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 29, 183 aircraft (50 fighters, 41 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 44(149).

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Liuchow. Otherwise quiet.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:11 pm

Summary of Operations 3/26/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 52 days.

Japanese Home Islands: Sigint report for 3/26 includes entry indicating Jap 7 Coastal Gun Rgt now located at Toyohara - this LCU a new unit in the Japanese OOB.

Central Pacific: Continued heavy Jap air patrol activity reported by U.S. subs near Kwajalein - plane contacts include G4M Betty, B6N2 Jill, D4Y Judy , E13A1 Jake, F1M2 Pete. No activity reported at Pago Pago or the Canton Is area.

Entry from Sigint report for 3/26 indicates Yokosuka Coastal Artillery Rgt now on Tinian. Previous known location of Yokosuka Coast Artillery was Tokyo as of 12/5/42.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights near Rarotonga, Auckland. Otherwise quiet.

U.S. sub Skipjack sunk in engagement with Japanese ASW TF at Suva. AAR follows.

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Sub attack near Suva at 83,117

Japanese Ships
DD Fuyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
DD Karukaya
DD Sanae
DD Kuretake

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage (2 direct hits, sunk)

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Australia: Jap recon flights over Alice Creek, Tennant Creek base, also over Allied LCU's positioned outside Tennant Creek. Another Jap air strike on Tennant Creek similar to bombing raids over the last two days. AAR of this attack follows.

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Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 23
A6M3a Zero x 60
J1N1-R Irving x 2
Ki-49 Helen x 17

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed
F-5A Lightning: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

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Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting no activity or detected change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 25 aircraft (10 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP. 41 aircraft (4 fighters, 13 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.

Japanese sub I-11 remains off Perth, shadowed by Hudson I naval search plane. G4M Betty spots U.S. sub Halibut at sea N of Geraldton.

DEI: Actions in Macassar Straits and near Palembang between Jap ASW TF's and U.S. subs. AAR's follow.

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Sub attack at 22,54 (near Palembang)

Japanese Ships
AO Nihon Maru
PC Ch 13
PG Kongosan Maru
PG Keijo Maru
DD Hiyodori
DD Kasasagi
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS Grunion, hits 5 (one direct hit, damage 33 system/29 float, returning to base)

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ASW attack at 34,64 (Makassar Straits, between Balikpapan & Tarakan)

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 1
PG Hong Kong Maru
MSW Mejima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Harder

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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. RAF and USAAF Liberators bomb heavy industry facilties in Rangoon. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12
A6M3a Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 20
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 71
B-24D Liberator x 71

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 12 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 11 damaged
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses (all planes returned to base, none destroyed)
Liberator III: 1 destroyed, 43 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 62 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 2 Jap TF's (+1 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 43, 144 aircraft (37 fighters, 47 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 41(152).

Dutch submarine O-21 attacked by Jap surface ASW off Rangoon, AAR follows.

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ASW attack at 29,34

Japanese Ships
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki
DD Ariake
DD Oshio

Allied Ships
SS O21, hits 2, on fire (1 direct hit, system damage 23, returning to base)

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China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Chengtu, Tuyun.

Japanese ground assualt near Kweilin. AAR and situation map follow. It should be noted that Jap 3rd Tank Division is a new formation, no previous report on this unit.

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Ground combat at 43,37

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20569 troops, 88 guns, 320 vehicles, Assault Value = 474
3rd Tank Division, 13 Tank Rgt
Defending force 341 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12
27th Chinese Guerilla Corps

Japanese max assault: 519 - adjusted assault: 1031
Allied max defense: 9 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 1031 to 1

Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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Movement of Jap LCU's (2 detected) from Changsha towards the front lines. Chinese bombers dispatched to identify and attack these LCU's.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 3:12 pm

Summary of Operations 3/27/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 51 days.

Central Pacific: Continued heavy Jap air patrol activity reported by U.S. subs near Kwajalein - plane contacts include the same aircraft types.

Two actions near Kwajalein - SS Spearfish attacked by a Jap ASW TF, SS Cuttlefish attacks another Jap ASW TF. AAR's of both actions follow.

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ASW attack at 78,83

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 11
PC Ch 5
PC Ch 4
MSW Kaiyo Maru #3
MSW Kaiyo Maru #1
MSW Hinode Maru #18
MSW Hinode Maru #17
MSW Asahi Maru No. 2
APD Patrol Boat No. 38

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish, hits 6 (light damage, remaining on patrol)

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Sub attack at 79,84

Japanese Ships
DD Kazegumo
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makinami
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish

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G3M Nell air patrol detected at Pago Pago, no activity reported in the Canton Is area. No recent Jap recon flights over Penhryn Is.

U.S. subs off Japanese home islands report light Jap air patrols (G5N Liz, E13A1 Jake). SS Amberjack reports two contacts with a Jap ASW TF (both actions identical, no hits or damage on either side) - AAR follows.

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ASW attack at 63,46

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 12
PC Ch 10
PC Ch 7
DD Chidori
DD Arashi

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

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South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Pillager continues to have some interest in watching Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. Conditions back to normal along Australian east coast. No significant combat activity to report.

Several USAAF bomber squadrons (2E and 4E) now arriving in Sydney from the U.S.
More USAAF air squadrons (some bombers plus a large contingent of P-38F & G fighters) have departed the U.S. for Australia in recent days - estimated arrival in late 4/43.

Japanese sub I-11 remains off Perth, attacked again by Allied ASW TF (no hits reported).

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports no detected Jap TF's or ships in port, 73 aircraft (36 fighters, 7 bombers), 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, one Jap TF in Darwin (+1 from last report), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 5 Jap LCU's.

DEI: Allied subs reporting light Jap air patrols. U.S sub Harder torpedoes Jap TK off Balikpapan, AAR follows.

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Sub attack at 32,64

Japanese Ships
TK Ceram Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
PC Ch 21
PC Ch 2
PG Heijo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Harder

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India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Dimapur, Imphal.

The four Chinese divisions withdrawing from Myitkyina have all reached Kohima. Each Chinese division is at approx 60% TOE strength with roughly 2/3 of elements on strength disrupted. All four Chinese divisions are continuing their overland movement to rear area bases in NE India to recover disrupted elements and draw replacements.

Two unidentified Jap LCU's detected outside (N of) Mandalay along the rail line between Mandalay and Myitkyina. Several RAF Blenheim squadrons were ordered to attack and identify the Jap LCU's.

RAF Vengeance DB's bomb airfield in Myitkyina, Jap bombers strike airfield facilities in Dimapur (light damage reported). AAR's of both actions follow.

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Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 9

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on Dimapur , at 35,25

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 3
Ki-51 Sonia x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 1 Jap TF (-1 from last report), no ships remaining anchored in port (-2 from last report), airfield damage 37, 180 aircraft (62 fighters, 49 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 41(152). Pillager appears to be making no attempt to repair heavy industry facilities in Rangoon, only limited activity to repair airfield damage. Dutch sub O-19 has made several trips into Rangoon to lay mines, no detected Jap activity to sweep this minefield.

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Chengtu, Tuyun. No new attacks by Japanese ground forces.

Bombers making Jap air strike on Kweilin operating from undetermined base in Indochina (possibly Hanoi), AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Kweilin , at 42,37

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 19

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G5N Liz bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 10000 feet

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Two unidentified Jap LCU's moving forward into the front lines near Changsha. Chinese bombers have been dispatched to attack and identify the Jap LCU's.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 3:39 pm

A footnote referring back to my game question of several weeks ago.

Two damaged Allied subs (one British, the other a U.S. S-class) that never repaired completely when brought into a shipyard, even when left there for a considerable period of time (longer than the time required to repair other damaged subs in the same shipyards).

What I noticed about each of the subs were two things - (1) both subs repaired to system damage 1, they would not repair to system damage 0; and (2) both subs appeared to have torpedo tube damage that remained unrepaired even when the subs were brought to large shipyards (San Francisco & Aden).

The damaged U.S. S-class sub referred to in the above question remains in a U.S. west coast shipyard. I have a second submarine (SS Narwhal) in a U.S. west coast shipyard also with system damage 1 and unrepared torpedo tube damage.

Both SS Narwhal and the S-class sub are upgradable in 4/43 and remain disbanded in their respective shipyards to receive the 4/43 upgrade. Could be interesting to see what the 4/43 upgrade on the two subs does as far as whether or not the torpedo tube damage is removed....

I will post any results of this "experiment" as it becomes known.

The British submarine with torpedo tube damage I referred to in the original question returned to active service and has been sent on a new combat patrol with the damaged (forward) torpedo tubes. I will also note and post any significant info on how the British sub performs as becomes known.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:59 am

Summary of Operations 3/28/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 50 days. Very quiet day overall.

Central Pacific: No combat actions reported by U.S. subs. Decreased Jap air patrol activity near Kwajalain and Pago Pago report decreased Jap air patrol activity. Light Jap air patrols (Ki-49 Helen) reported by U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands. Canton Is area remains quiet.

South Pacific: Japanese DD Fuyo now confirmed sunk after action on 3/26 with SS Skipjack at Suva. Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flights over Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. No combat activity to report.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports no detected activity or change in Jap forces. Allied recon over Port Moresby and Exmouth did not fly due to weather.

DEI: U.S. sub Scorpion near Batavia reporting Jap air patrols (Ki-21 Sally, Ki-49 Helen), also engaged Jap ASW TF. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,59

Japanese Ships
AK Shogen Maru
PG Shotoku Maru
MSW Wa 20

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion, hits 2 (no damage)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur.

RAF Blenheims attacked unidentified Jap LCU's reported (on 3/27) outside Mandalay - no Allied planes lost, light Jap casualties. One of the Jap LCU's identified as 53 Construction Bn. Previous reported location of 53 Bn was Myitkyina. Appears that 53 Bn and the second Jap LCU moving with it left Myitkyina and heading southward.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting no detected Jap TF's, airfield damage 27, 191 aircraft (64 fighters, 49 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 41(152). Jap TF detected and sweeping mines in Rangoon, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 238 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)

Japanese Ships
DD Ariake
DD Oshio
DD Shinonome
DD Fubuki

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

China: Jap recon flight over Chungking. Otherwise quiet (for now).

Sigint report for 3/28 includes entry indicating Jap 20 Engineer Rgt is preparing for attack on Liuchow. Several Chinese INF corps moving to reinforce Liuchow. Also movement of Chinese ground units in and around Kweilin to reinforce left flank of Chinese forces defending Kweilin and Liuchow. I'm suspecting Pillager could be intending to cut off Chinese LCU's in Kweilin along with a planned attack on Liuchow.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 7:11 pm

Summary of Operations 3/29/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 49 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs near Kwajalein report heavy Jap air patrol activity (many G4M Betty & E13A1 Jake). Light Jap air activity near Pago Pago. No activity reported in the Canton Is area. SS Cuttlefish mixes it up with Jap ASW TF, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW and Sub attacks at 79,81 (NNW of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Makinami
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Cuttlefish, hits 3 (total both actions) (system damage 20/float damage 4, retiring to base)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. subs operating near Japanese home islands reporting light Jap air activity. Several contacts between U.S. subs and Jap ASW TF's south of Kyushu. SS Grampus also hit by F1M2 Pete in an air attack. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attacks at 62,46 (attacked twice)

Japanese Ships
DD Hayabusa
DD Yugiri
DD Asagiri
DD Nenohi
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Onami
DD Yugumo
DD Niizuki

Allied Ships
SS Tunny, hits 4 (total both attacks), on fire (minimal damage, remains on patrol)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attacks at 67,47 (attacked twice)

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze
DD Namikaze
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
SS Grampus , hits 2 (total both attacks) (damage incl F1M2 Pete attack - system damage 17/no float, retiring to base)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub and ASW attacks at 64,49 (off Chichi Jima)

Japanese Ships
DD Hasu
DD Oite
DD Hatakaze
DD Kamikaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Albacore hits 6 (total both attacks) (system damage 10/no float damage, retiring to base)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South Pacific: No Jap recon flights. All sectors quiet.

Australia: No combat or detected Jap activity.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP (A6M3a & Ki-45), 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reporting 24 aircraft (13 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 90 aircraft (8 fighters, 17 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.

DEI: Allied subs reporting light Jap air activity (Ki-21 Sally, Ki-48 Lily, Ki-49 Helen). Several sub actions reported, AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,54 (near Palembang)

Japanese Ships
AK Hokusui Maru
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Tosho Maru
MSW Kongo Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS KXVI

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,57 (off Pontianek)

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2061, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 22,54 (near Palembang, two attacks)

Japanese Ships
DD Asakaze
PG Seikai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kure Maru #5
PG Kantori Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
PG Ikunta Maru
DD Uranami
DD Usugumo
DD Oyashio

Allied Ships
SS Herring, hits 2, on fire (system damage 12/float damage 10, retiring to base)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entry in Sigint report of 3/29 reporting 134 IJNAF Base Force now located at Madioen (Java, near Soerabaja). No previous report on 134 Base Force, new LCU to Japanese OOB.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Imphal, Dimapur. No reported combat.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (+2 from last report), 159 aircraft (51 fighters, 49 bombers), airfield damage 39, 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 41(152). Jap minesweeping ops continue in Rangoon, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 97 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)

Japanese Ships
PG Eiko Maru
PG Kiso Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two unidentified Jap submarines detected off India. One Jap sub located off Trivandium heading NW, the second Jap sub located SE of Colombo (heading unknown).

China: Jap recon flight over Chungking. Jap bombing raid on Kweilin, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kweilin , at 42,37

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 19 (flying from Indochina, appear to be based in Hanoi)

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G5N Liz bombing at 10000 feet
9 x G5N Liz bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chinese bombers attack Jap LCU detected entering front lines W of Changsha - LCU identified as 15 Field Artillery Rgt. No Chinese plane losses or reported Jap casualties in the attack.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:44 pm

Summary of Operations 3/30/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 48 days.

North Pacific: Sigint report for 3/30 includes entry indicating Ankei SNLF now located at Etorofu (Kurile Is). Previous reported location of Ankei SNLF was Tientsin (China) on 9/1/42.

Central Pacific: Reports of continued heavy Jap air patrols from U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein - most plane contacts G4M Betty & E13A1 Jake (numbers of E13A1 Jakes increasing), also small numbers of other plane types. E13A1 Jake float planes operating in large numbers could indicate Jap cruisers and/or CS(s) returning to Kwajalein base.

SS Cachalot SSE of Kwajalein attacked by Jap ASW TF, also hit in air attack from D4Y Judy. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 82,85

Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo

Allied Ships
SS Cachalot, hits 2 (34 system/85 float damage, retiring to base)

Damage figures above include D4Y Judy air attack.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lighter Jap air patrol activity (G5N Liz, Ki-49 Helen) near Japanese home islands. SS Tunny torpedoes Jap AK south of Osaka/Kobe, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 64,46

Japanese Ships
AK Genoa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire (no report of sinking)

Allied Ships
SS Tunny

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. subs at Canton Is and Pago Pago reporting no detected activity.

Entry in Sigint report of 3/30 indicating 6th Mongolian Cavalry Division now located on Majuro. Previous location of 6th Div at Linhsi on 1/8/43. This report makes a total of 4-5 Japanese divisions that have been transferred from the Kwantung Army to garrison various Pacific island bases.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Rarotonga and Auckland. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon and air bombing attack on Tennant Creek. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 21
A6M3a Zero x 56
J1N1-R Irving x 2
Ki-49 Helen x 30

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 3 destroyed
A-20G Havoc: 5 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 1 destroyed
B-25C Mitchell: 2 destroyed
F-5A Lightning: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
46 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orders and LCU movement to create a network of rear-area air bases in north Australia now underway. Planned rear-area bases will be located in Alice Springs and Cloncurry. These bases will support Allied air operations from Tennant Creek (recover damaged planes and rest pilots between combat missions) and provide transit bases for air units transferring between Tennant Creek and Townsville or bases in southern Australia. Alice Springs is already an operational air base, Cloncurry is currently vacant. Additional air base LCU's are being sent to increase capacity of Alice Springs and create an operational air base in Cloncurry (airfield size is sufficient at Cloncurry, aviation support is needed). Both these bases will allow Allied air units operating from Tennant Creek to rest pilots and recover damaged aircraft outside the range of Jap attacks.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 78 aircraft (12 fighters, 21 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 58 aircraft (26 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reports fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.

Contact lost with Japanese sub I-11 operating off Perth.

DEI: No combat activity to report. Very light Jap air patrols.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Imphal, Dimapur. No combat activity reported.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 5 Jap TF's (+3 from last report), 1 ship disbanded in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 47, 187 aircraft (61 fighters, 49 bombers), 9 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 41(152).

Several Jap TF's sweeping mines in Rangoon, AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 174 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)

Japanese Ships
PC Sonan Maru #5, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
PG Kogyoku Maru
DD Inazuma
PG Shinko Maru #1
DD Kawakaze

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 17 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)

Japanese Ships
DD Sagi
DD Michishio

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Nanning, Liuchow. Light Jap air attacks against various locations in southern China, no significant damage or casualties reported.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:38 pm

Summary of Operations 3/31/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 47 days.

Central Pacific: U.S. subs near Kwajalein report continuing Jap air patrols, though slightly diminished in volume compared to the last few game turns. Plane types still mostly G4M Betty and E13A1 Jake.

SS Spearfish and SS Cachalot engaging Jap ASW TF's near Kwajalein, AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 83,85

Japanese Ships
DD Isonami
DD Samidare
DD Shigure
DD Arare
DD Minegumo

Allied Ships
SS Cachalot, hits 1, heavy damage
(no additional damage in this action, retiring to base after damage in combat on 3/30)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 78,80 (NW of Kwajalein)

Japanese Ships
DD Kuroshio
DD Kagero
DD Kazegumo
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish, hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 78,80

Japanese Ships
DD Kazegumo
DD Kagero
DD Akigumo
DD Hatsuzuki

Allied Ships
SS Spearfish, hits 1 (retiring to base, total damage from both attacks - 12 system, no float)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two unidentified Japanese subs detected - one W of Palmyra, one W of Johnston Is.

Light Jap air patrol activity near Pago Pago, no detected Jap activity in the Canton Is area.

U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands report light Jap air patrols, also in several actions. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 61,46 (two attacks by same Jap TF, S of Hiroshima/Kure)

Japanese Ships
DD Hayabusa
DD Yugiri
DD Asagiri
DD Nenohi
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Onami
DD Yugumo
DD Niizuki

Allied Ships
SS Guardfish, hits 4, on fire, heavy damage (combined result of both ASW attacks, reported sunk)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 68,47 (three attacks by same Jap TF, SE of Tokyo)

Japanese Ships
DD Minazuki
DD Mochizuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
SS Runner, hits 3, on fire (combined result of all ASW attacks, 11 system damage/48 float damage, retiring to base)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 65,47 (NE of Tori Shima)

Japanese Ships
DD Hibiki
MSW Noshiro Maru #2
MSW Kyo Maru #5
MSW Kyo Maru #3
MSW Kyo Maru #1
DD Sazanami

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.

South Pacific: Jap recon flight over Auckland, otherwise quiet.

Entry in Sigint report for 3/31 indicates HQ Jap 9th Fleet is located at Noumea. No previous report on 9th Fleet HQ, new LCU in Japanese OOB.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. Otherwise quiet.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 59 aircraft (24 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.
Hudson I recon over Exmouth reports A6M3a fighters on CAP, no detected activity or change in Jap forces.

DEI: Light Jap air patrols (Ki-48 Lily, KI-49 Helen) reported near Palembang. Dutch sub K-XVI engaged by Jap surface ASW TF off Singkep, AAR of this action follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 23,54

Japanese Ships
PG Nagata Maru
PG Kure Maru #5
PG Kantori Maru
PG Kamitsu Maru
PG Ikunta Maru
DD Asakaze
DD Uranami
DD Usugumo
DD Oyashio

Allied Ships
SS KXVI, hits 1, on fire (one direct hit, system damage 35/float damage 85, retiring to base)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines: Sigint report of 3/31 includes entry indicating HQ Jap 3rd Fleet now located in Manila. Previous location of 3rd Fleet HQ was Takao as of 10/6/42.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. RAF and USAAF 2E bombers strike Magwe airfield. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 23
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 46
B-25C Mitchell x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 7 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 7 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 5 destroyed, 34 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 7 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
10 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 2 disbanded ships in port (+1 from last report), airfield damage 37, 203 aircraft (51 fighters, 49 bombers), 10 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 41(152).

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Nanning, Chengtu.

Bombardment attack by Japanese ground forces west of Hengchow, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 44,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 24082 troops, 166 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1484
6th, 32nd & 34th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn
Defending force 25997 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 847
2nd New, 38th, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
60 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous known locations of Jap LCU's participating in this action - 32nd & 34th Divisions from Changsha, 6th Division and the two artillery LCU's from Hengchow.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:58 pm

Summary of Operations 4/1/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 46 days. Not a lot of fooling around...

Central Pacific: No contacts or combat actions reported by U.S. subs operating in the Central Pacific or off the Japanese home islands. Decreased Jap air patrols near Kwajalein, relatively quiet at Pago Pago and the Canton Is area.

LB-30 Liberator flying naval search patrol spots and attacks Jap submarine I-172 west of Palmyra (no hits or damage). I-172 is reported moving on E heading, a U.S. ASW TF is being formed at Palmyra.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, otherwise quiet.

Allied recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report no detected activity or change in Jap forces.

F-5A recon over Darwin reporting Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 43 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's. U.S. submarine Hoe arrived off Darwin to patrol and intercept Japanese shipping.

DEI: No contacts or combat actions involving Allied subs operating in this area. Light Jap air patrols.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Dimapur, Chittagong. No other Jap air activity reported.

USAAF and RAF Liberators again bomb Jap airfield facilities in Rangoon. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 10
A6M3a Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6
Ki-45 KAIb Nick x 16

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 68
B-24D Liberator x 81

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged
A6M3a Zero: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 6 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIb Nick: 4 destroyed, 9 damaged
G3M Nell: 4 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 14 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 destroyed, 57 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
589 casualties reported
Guns lost 15

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 44

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
5 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
6 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x B-24D Liberator bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's, 1 disbanded ship in port (-1 from last report), airfield damage 63, 137 aircraft (49 fighters, 27 bombers), 10 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 41(152).

Low-level airfield strike by RAF Beaufighters against Magwe. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 11
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 56

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 7 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 2 destroyed, 52 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
12 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
16 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
12 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking and Tuyun. A number of Jap ground attack air strikes against various locations, light damage and casualties reported.

Jap ground bombardment against Chinese units west of Changsha, AAR follows. Jap ground forces in hex 44,36 were reinforced with a tank regiment (13 Tank Rgt).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 44,36

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 45578 troops, 268 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 1564
6th, 32nd & 34th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn, 13 Tank Rgt
Defending force 25924 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 844
2nd New, 38th, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:13 pm

An update on subs with "permanent" torpedo tube damage...

Two damaged Allied subs (one British, the other a U.S. S-class) that never repaired completely when brought into a shipyard, even when left there for a considerable period of time (longer than the time required to repair other damaged subs in the same shipyards).

What I noticed about each of the subs were two things - (1) both subs repaired to system damage 1, they would not repair to system damage 0; and (2) both subs appeared to have torpedo tube damage that remained unrepaired even when the subs were brought to large shipyards (San Francisco & Aden).

Both SS Narwhal and the S-class sub are upgradable in 4/43 and remain disbanded in their respective shipyards to receive the 4/43 upgrade. Could be interesting to see what the 4/43 upgrade on the two subs does as far as whether or not the torpedo tube damage is removed.

It appears that unrepaired torpedo tube damage on a sub does get removed when the sub goes through a ship upgrade. 4/43 ship upgrades were started this game turn (4/1/43) on both the U.S. S-class sub and the Narwhal - unrepaired torpedo tube damage was removed from both subs, otherwise both subs going through a normal ship upgrade.

With the 4/43 upgrades coming up as soon as they were and both these subs already located in a shipyard, it was worth the try and it worked. At least true for CHS... may or may not be applicable elsewhere.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:06 pm

View of the Big Picture #13

Part 1: Evolution of Allied submarine doctrine

Early to mid 1942 – With the very high dud rate for most Allied torpedoes, the scope of effective submarine operations during this period was heavily restricted.

Combat patrol operations for submarines were restricted to submarine types least affected by the torpedo dud rate, including British and Dutch subs along with U.S. S-class subs.

Operations by newer U.S. subs most affected by the torpedo dud rate during this period were limited to recon patrols and evacuation of LCU elements. Newer U.S. subs not involved in these operations were mostly kept in reserve.

LCU element evacuation by submarine was employed extensively during the initial Japanese advances. Units where elements were successfully evacuated by submarine included the following.

-- Eight infantry brigades (five Indian, two Australian, one CW) from Singapore
-- US 31 RCT, 4 USMC & 2 Philippine Regiments from the Philippines
-- Several British base force units (RAF and RN) from Malaya and Borneo
-- 120 USN Base Force from the Phillipines
-- Several small Australian infantry LCU’s from Rabaul, Kavieng, and New Guinea
-- Parts of USAFFE and Asiatic Fleet HQ’s
-- 7 USMC Defence Bn from the South Pacific

Most of these LCU’s have since rebuilt to full or nearly full TOE strength.

Mid to late 1942 – This period much the same as earlier in 1942 except that submarine evacuations were by then largely completed.

Nearly all combat operations continued to be carried out by British, Dutch, and U.S. S-class subs. This contributed to the relatively high attrition rate of these subs compared to other Allied submarines.

Newer U.S. subs continued recon patrol operations, mainly to track Japanese naval movements in the Central Pacific (Kwajalein, Pago Pago, Canton Is). Some emphasis was placed on Kwajalein due to the KB probably based in Kwajalein for most of 1942.

Submarine minelaying operations were done throughout 1942. Newer U.S. subs were used more extensively for this starting the second half of 1942. Dutch sub O-19 and SS Argonaut were continuously employed on mine laying ops (the Dutch O-20 was sunk early in the campaign). SS Argonaut was not upgraded in early 1942 (retained its minelaying capability) and has extensively operated in many locations across nearly the entire game map, from the U.S. west coast to Bombay.

1943 – With the improved Allied torpedo dud rate in 1/43, it became possible to effectively start using newer U.S. subs for combat patrol operations. This greatly increased the number of Allied subs capable of effective combat operations, the increased number of subs in turn allowing Allied sub warfare to be expanded into more and more areas.

Recon patrol operations in the Central Pacific by U.S. subs are continuing mainly to keep tracking Japanese ship and naval movements.

Several new theatres of submarine combat operations have opened up starting in early 1943 – currently off the Japanese home islands and in the Southern areas (DEI and near Singapore). Objectives of sub operations in both areas to attack Jap transport shipping and "stretch" Pillager’s air and light naval (ASW & escort) resources.

A small force of approximatly 10 newer U.S. subs were dispatched to Australia at the end of 1942. These subs arrived in Sydney, continued to Perth, and then began operations to reinforce Dutch and British subs operating in the Indian Ocean as an expanded “second front” submarine campaign against the DEI, Singapore, and near Rangoon.

Primary Allied bases supporting the Indian Ocean campaign are Perth and Colombo, with Calcutta as a forward base for emergency damage repairs. Shipyards in Bombay and Aden are being employed as rear-area sub repair sites.

Several factors have so far hampered the scope of expanded sub operations in the Indian Ocean area including

-- Small number of available submarines, especially subs that are operational.

-- Relatively long infiltration route being used by Allied subs operating in the DEI and near Singapore. This route extending from Perth or Colombo across the Indian Ocean to enter the DEI from the south. The route through the Malacca Straits is a “shortcut” used only as an emergency route.

-- Available shipyard repair facilities (shipyards) at Perth and in India to repair damaged subs have smaller repair capacity and also at a farther distance from areas of active submarine operations. This factor represents a permanent limitation on any Allied submarine operations via the Indian Ocean.

At some point, additional subs will need to be deployed from the U.S to the Indian Ocean area to increase Allied sub operations in the Indian Ocean from the current level and maintain continuous large scale operations in this area. Future U.S. sub reinforcements will be dispatched to the Indian Ocean theatre as they become available and can be spared from operations in the main Pacific theatre.

Other theatres for future expansion of sub operations are now being considered. Further improvements to the Allied torpedo dud rate later in 1943 will also aid the increase of sub operations.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:16 pm

View of the Big Picture #13

Part 2: Numbers of Submarines in Operational Status, Sunk, and Damaged

Numbers of operational and damaged submarines as of 4/1/43 by status. Counts include all nationalities and all theatre locations.

Operational subs at sea (active patrol, in transit) – 38
Damaged subs at sea w/10+ system damage (retiring to base, in transit to shipyards) – 17

In port, available for operations – 32
In port, repairing damage (excluding subs in port for 4/43 upgrades) - 11

Total submarines available (operational plus damaged) – 98
Total operational submarines – 70

Submarines sunk in action as of 4/1/43. Counts include all theatre locations.

Total number of subs sunk to date – 42

U.S. S-class subs – 13
Newer U.S. sub classes – 17
British – 1
Dutch (all classes) – 11

Estimated ratio of submarines damaged to sunk in action is 4 or 5 to 1.

This ratio is slightly higher with U.S. submarines (especially newer classes) as these subs are usually durable enough to reach a front-line base where emergency repairs can be done (when needed) before continuing to a shipyard where full repair of their damage can be completed.

Dutch subs are equally likely to sink as survive battle damage – the majority of these subs are smaller and less durable than their U.S. counterparts, another consideration being these subs often operate in areas farther away from major Allied bases and in areas with less than optimal repair and recovery facilities.

With the ratio of damaged to sunk Allied submarines as high as it is, it is not surprising that many Allied subs have been damaged in combat, repaired, and sent back into combat multiple times. Some Allied subs (especially U.S. subs in the Central Pacific) have gone through this rotation two, three, possibly (in one or two instances) four times.

Sub damage and losses by Type of Attack -

The majority of Allied sub losses and damage in combat occurred in actions against Jap surface ASW TF's, an estimated 20% of sub losses and damage resulting from Jap air attacks. However, Jap air attacks on Allied subs in my experience appear to have a higher probability of inflicting serious damage than attacks by Jap surface ASW.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:20 pm

View of the Big Picture #13

Part 3: Handling and repair of damaged submarines

By mid-1942, a system of handling and repairing subs damaged in combat was in place for U.S. subs based and operating in the Central Pacific theatre. The description below illustrates the system as implemented for the Central Pacific.

Submarines on patrol are immediately returned to base when damage received in battle meets either or both the following conditions.

-- System damage 10 or greater.
-- Any amount of float or fire damage.

Normally, damaged submarines return first to Pearl Harbor. Subs reaching Pearl Harbor with moderate damage replenish before proceeding to a U.S. west coast base to complete repairs. More severely damaged subs and subs with float or fire damage remain at Pearl Harbor to begin repair – these subs repair at Pearl until any float or fire damage is removed and system damaged lowered to a point where they can continue to the U.S. west coast to complete repairs.

In general, the shipyard in Pearl Harbor is utilized to handle front-line repair of light system damage, a relatively small number of ship upgrades, emergency repair of heavily damaged ships and subs, and as an “overflow” facility for shipyards on the U.S. west coast. U.S. west coast shipyards handle most of the “heavy lifting” for ship repairs and upgrades, Pearl Harbor being a secondary facility to support front-line repairs and upgrades.

A network of forward bases (all with ports > size 3, some with AS ships) have been established to handle emergency repair of subs with severe damage. As of 4/43, forward bases fully capable of handling emergency repair of subs include Adak, Midway, Palmyra, Christmas Is.

Nearly all damaged subs complete full repair at a shipyard on the U.S. west coast. Subs are distributed to all shipyards on the U.S. west coast as capacity allows, each shipyard normally handling repair of no more than 2-3 subs at a time in addition to work on other ships. A typical repair time in U.S. west coast shipyards for damaged subs is approx 20-30 days (excluding sea movement time in transit).

Once full repair is completed, subs normally go directly to Pearl Harbor and back into “the pool”.

In 1943, this system is gradually being expanded outside the Central Pacific theatre where there are ports and shipyards available to do this. Presently, the system is being developed in India and western Australia (Perth) primarily to support Allied subs operating in the Indian Ocean and DEI.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:53 pm

Summary of Operations 4/2/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 45 days.

Central Pacific: A second game turn with no contacts or combat actions reported by U.S. subs operating in the Central Pacific or off the Japanese home islands. Very light Jap air patrol activity reported by U.S. subs near Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is.

LB-30 Liberator flying naval search spots unidentified Jap submarine 360 mi SE of Johnston Is moving on an E heading. This contact could be a second Jap sub or a possible re-sighting of I-172 (originally spotted on 4/1).

Jap recon flight over Penhryn.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Rarotonga and Auckland, otherwise quiet.

Most Allied transport shipping between the U.S. and Australia is now travelling on-map between the U.S. west coast and Papaete in place of movement via the Panama City ship channels. The southern map edge sea area continues in use by Allied shipping moving between Wellington and Papaete.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Alice Springs. Otherwise no combat activity.

Allied recon flights over both Exmouth and Port Moresby again report no detected activity or change in Jap forces.
Detected status of Jap base in Darwin - 61 aircraft (25 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.

DEI: Very light activity. Action by U.S. sub Scorpion on patrol off Pontianek. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 23,57

Japanese Ships
AK Mansei Maru
PG Shoei Maru
MSW Wa 9
MSW Wa 6

Allied Ships
SS Scorpion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur.

No reported Japanese air activity over Burma or NE India for the last several game turns. Could this be a possible effect of Allied bombing attacks on Rangoon?

RAF Vengeance dive bombers hit Jap airfield in Myitkyina. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 9

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 16 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unidentified Jap LCU detected south of Magwe along the rail line. RAF Blenheims have been dispatched to attack and identify this LCU.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 3 Jap TF's, 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 64, 118 aircraft (30 fighters, 32 bombers), 11 Jap LCU's (+2 in the last several game turns), heavy industry 42(151).

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu.

Japanese ground forces launch attack in hex 44,36 - Chinese forces retreat. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 44,36

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 67706 troops, 370 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 1560
6th, 32nd & 34th Infantry Divisions, 2 Mountain Gun Rgt, 1 Mortar Bn, 13 Tank Rgt
Defending force 25781 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 839
2nd New, 38th, 44th & 45th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1388 - adjusted assault: 659
Allied max defense: 805 - adjusted defense: 47
Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
958 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
618 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:53 pm

Summary of Operations 4/3/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 44 days.

Central Pacific: Generally quiet near Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago. U.S subs reporting light Jap air patrols.

LB-30 Liberator naval search patrols report contacts with two unidentified Jap subs W of Palmyra, both subs moving east. The number of recent Jap sub sightings (all these subs appear to be moving E) is the highest level of Japanese submarine activity in the Central Pacific area since mid-1942.

U.S. air patrols sighting Japanese subs are operating out of Palmyra and Johnston Is. Additional long-range U.S. naval search flights including PBY's and 4E bombers were activitated in the last several game turns from bases in Hawaii as far back as the U.S. west coast to pick up any continued movement of Jap subs as they pass to the east of Johnston or Palmyra.

So far there has been no detected eastward movement of Jap subs beyond the sea areas immediately west of Palmyra and Johnston - this indicating Pillager does not appear to be (at least as of now) sending Jap subs eastward to raid ship routes from the U.S west coast to Hawaii and the Line Islands. This situation can, of course, change.

Another possible conclusion of Jap sub sightings and detected movement can be made if the recent pattern continues - Pillager is deploying these subs as a "picket line" for detection and initial attack of any Allied naval movement from Hawaii or the Line Islands toward enemy bases along the Japanese Outer Perimeter line from the Marshall Islands southward to the Baker and Canton Is areas.

Light Jap air patrols reported south of the Japanese home islands. SS Barb in several actions, AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,50 (east of Chichi Jima)

Japanese Ships
AK Shunsei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
AK Akitsu Maru
PC Ch 24
PC Gamitsu Maru #1
PG Choko Maru #2
MSW W.1

Allied Ships
SS Barb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attacks at 67,50 (same TF attacked twice)

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 24
PC Gamitsu Maru #1
PG Choko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Barb, hits 3 (total both attacks, minor damage, remains on patrol)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jap recon flight over Penhryn Is.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights continue over Auckland and Rarotonga. Quiet elsewhere.

A route is now established where long-range 4E bombers (B-17's and Liberators) can transfer by air from the U.S. west coast to Australia as far as Papaete. At the present time, ship transport is required for transfer of 4E bomber squadrons between Papaete and Wellington (NZ) - this will be required until construction of a planned Allied base at Rarotonga is begun and completed to a point where airfield facilities capable of handing 4E bombers exist on Rarotonga. A "pool" of small (3000 capacity) AK's is now based at Papaete to load 4E bomber squadrons and transport them between Papaete and Wellington. Bases forming this route include Los Angeles - Hawaii - Christmas Is - Papaete. 4E bomber squadrons at Wellington can transfer by air between that base and either Sydney or Brisbane.

Australia: No Jap recon flights reported, also no combat activity.

A buildup of USAAF 2E and 4E bombers in Australia has started and is still underway. The buildup had been briefly delayed during the recent KB carrier raid on bases along the Australian east coast - transport TF's held in Wellington (NZ) during the KB's raid included some carrying the first group of USAAF squadrons as cargo. These transports have all since reached and unloaded at Sydney. The first group of 2E and 4E squadrons arriving in Australia doubled U.S. bomber strength there in both categories - 4E bomber squadrons increased from four to eight, a similar increase in 2E squadrons. Additional USAAF squadrons now enroute to Australia from the U.S. include another contingent of 4E bombers (both B-17 and B-24) along with ten fighter squadrons (eight with P-38F's and G's, two with P-40B's). The P-40B squadrons were included as I have a relatively large replacement pool of these planes available.

Allied recon flights over Exmouth and Port Moresby both report fighters on CAP, no other detected activity or change in Jap forces.

F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 41 aircraft (13 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.

DEI: U.S. sub Harder torpedoes Jap TK, confirmed sunk. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,63 (Makassar Strait, between Balipapan & Tarakan)

Japanese Ships
TK Enoshima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Taiko Maru
MSW W.12

Allied Ships
SS Harder

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. Several RAF bombing attacks on targets in Burma, no Jap air attacks. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 15

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 16 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 41st Heavy AA Battalion, at 32,30 (LCU detected, appears to be moving southward to Rangoon)

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 7

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 1 ship disbanded in port, airfield damage 58, 145 aircraft (45 fighters, 33 bombers), 12 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 43(150).

Two new Jap LCU's detected in Rangoon in two days. Pillager also appears to have started repairing HI facilities in Rangoon - heavy industry there will need attention from the Liberators.

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Chengtu, Tuyun. Numerous small Jap ground strike air raids reported against Chinese LCU's in many locations. No activity by Japanese ground forces.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:01 am

Summary of Operations 4/4/43

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 43 days.

Central Pacific: Again generally quiet near Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago. U.S subs report light Jap air patrols.

No activity reported by U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights continue over Auckland and Rarotonga, otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Alice Springs.

Japanese bombers strike airfield facilities in Tennant Creek - reported airfield service damage 12, runway damage 10. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 21
J1N1-R Irving x 3
Ki-49 Helen x 30

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 1 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F-5A Lightning: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk I: 3 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 38

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, 7 Jap LCU's.
F-5A recon over Darwin reports Ki-61 fighters on CAP, 60 aircraft (25 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.

DEI: More actions reported from U.S. sub Harder in Macassar Straits. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 34,63 (Makassar Straits, between Balikpapan and Tarakan)

Japanese Ships
TK Arima Maru
PC Nichi Maru #1

Allied Ships
SS Harder

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 34,63

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hayashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Harder, hits 1 (minor damage)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong and Dimapur, no Jap air attacks.

RAF air strikes against Magwe and Jap LCU moving south. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Magwe , at 31,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 9
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 4 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC: 14 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
3 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet
3 x Beaufighter VIC attacking at 100 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 41st Heavy AA Battalion, at 31,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 damaged
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 19 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Japanese sub I-32 spotted and attacked by PBM Mariner air patrol SW of Colombo. I-32 was hit in the attack, no report of sinking or damage. I-32 was detected moving on a NW heading. Allied ASW TF from Colombo being dispatched to engage the I-32.

F-5A recon over Rangoon reports 3 Jap TF's (+1 from last report, one TF containing two CV's ?), 1 ship detected in port, airfield damage 36, 145 aircraft (45 fighters, 27 bombers), 13 Jap LCU's (+1 from last report), heavy industry 44(149). Recon reports of last several game turns indicating Pillager is definately repairing heavy industry in Rangoon, also a number of additional Jap LCU's. No information at this time as to identity or where the (3) new Jap LCU's in Rangoon came from.

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Kweilin, Liuchow, Chengtu. Otherwise quiet.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:49 pm

Summary of Operations 4/5/43 - the first of several catch-up editions...

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 42 days.

Central Pacific: Increased Jap air patrols reported by U.S. subs operating near Kwajalein - aircraft include G4M Betty, many E13A1 Jake & F1M2 Pete floatplanes. A large but undetermined number of Japanese ships detected at anchor (disbanded) in Kwajalein. A fairly high probability the KB has returned to Kwajalein - if it is there, Pillager is now keeping his carrier planes on the decks.

No significant activity reported by U.S. subs near Pago Pago or Canton Is.
Jap recon flight over Penhryn.

Jap AK Shunsei Maru confirmed sunk S of Tokyo - torpedoed near Chichi Jima by SS Barb on 4/3. Otherwise, U.S. subs operating off the Japanese home islands reporting no significant enemy activity.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights over Rarotonga and Auckland. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek. No air or ground combat action reported.

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 83 aircraft (6 fighters, 19 bombers), 5 Jap LCU's.
Detected status of Jap base in Darwin - 56 aircraft (19 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.

DEI: Allied subs operating in this area reporting no significant Jap activity.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Imphal, Chittagong, Dimapur. No reported air or ground combat over mainland India or Burma.

Jap submarine I-32 engaged near Colombo by Allied ASW TF. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 9,22

Japanese Ships
SS I-32, hits 6 (no report of sinking)

Allied Ships
MSW Lismore, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (sunk)
PG Jumna
PG Hindustan
MSW Khyber
MSW Carnatic
MSW Baluchistan
MSW Rajputana
MSW Orissa
MSW Cromarty
MSW Romney
MSW Poole
SC Nigella
MSW Cromer
DE Teviot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting 2 Jap TF's (-1 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 45, 143 aircraft (50 fighters, 25 bombers), 13 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 45(148). Pillager's repair of damage from Allied bombing raids is moving at a faster pace - it's possible at least some of the (four) new Jap LCU's recently added in Rangoon are engineer units.

Jap minesweeping ops also detected at Rangoon.

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu, Liuchow.

Numerous ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's. Light damage and casualties reported in these attacks.

wneumann · Post by **wneumann** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:20 pm

Summary of Operations 4/6/43 - another catch-up edition...

Countdown to CV Essex arrival: 41 days.

Central Pacific: Heavy Jap air patrols continue near Kwajalein. Light activity reported by U.S subs operating near Pago Pago and Canton Is.

Unidentified Jap submarine detected S of Laysan Is, moving NE.

Several actions reported by U.S. subs operating off Japanese home islands. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 70,47 (three attacks)

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze
DD Namikaze
DD Mochizuki
DD Minazuki
DD Uzuki
DD Mutsuki

Allied Ships
SS Silversides (no hits or damage)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 65,47

Japanese Ships
DD Kamikaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage (no report of sinking)
DD Hasu
DD Oite
DD Hatakaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
SS Barb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South Pacific: Jap recon flights again over Auckland and Rarotonga. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap recon flight over Tennant Creek, also bombing raid against airfield facilities in Tennant Creek. No reported damage or planes lost. AAR follows. Some of Pillager's recon flights over Tennant Creek are seeking to identify Allied LCU's located in and around Tennant Creek base.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tennant Creek , at 34,95

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
J1N1-R Irving x 2
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-R Irving: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 17 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
61 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hudson I recon over Exmouth reporting A6M3a fighters on CAP, 94 aircraft (16 fighters, 20 bombers).
Detected status of Jap base in Darwin - 51 aircraft (15 fighters), 2 Jap LCU's.

Catalina I recon over Port Moresby reporting fighters on CAP, otherwise no detected activity or change in Jap forces.

Sigint report for 4/6 includes entry indicating 5th Mongolian Cavalry Div now located in Port Moresby, previous location of 5 Mongolian Div was Linhsi on 10/14/42. This report confirms entries from earlier Sigint reports indicating 5 Mongolian Div had been enroute to Port Moresby by sea. An unsuccessful attempt was made by U.S. subs to intercept the transport TF carrying this division into Port Moresby - transport TF was never spotted.

A second Sigint report entry for 4/6 indicating Jap 17 Construction Bn now in Portland Roads after transfer from China. Previous location of 17 Construction Bn was Tientsin as of 11/22/42.

DEI: No activity to report.

India/Burma: Jap recon flights over Chittagong, Dimapur, Imphal.

Bombing raids against Myitkyina and Dacca, AAR's of both actions follow. Reported status at Dacca - airfield service damage 23, runway damage 28, some RAF planes damaged on the ground.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dacca , at 31,23

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 28
Ki-49 Helen x 76

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 4 destroyed, 50 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IID/IV: 2 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 4 destroyed

Allied ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 8
Runway hits 46

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
18 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Myitkyina , at 36,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ib Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ib Tony: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 8 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Vengeance I bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F-5A recon over Rangoon reporting no Jap TF's (-2 from last report), 1 disbanded ship in port, airfield damage 17, 187 aircraft (95 fighters, 30 bombers), 13 Jap LCU's, heavy industry 46(147). Jap ASW TF sweeping mines in Rangoon, AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1 encounters mine field at Rangoon (29,33)

Japanese Ships
MSW W.18
MSW W.17
MSW W.10
MSW W.8
MSW W.7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Catalina I flying naval search spots unidentified Jap submarine S of Colombo. Allied ASW TF is dispatched to engage Jap sub.

China: Jap recon flights over Chungking, Tuyun, Chengtu.

Ground attack air strikes by both Chinese and Jap air forces against opposing front-line LCU's continue. Light damage and casualties reported.

wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

Summary of Operations 3/23/43

Summary of Operations 3/24/43

Summary of Operations 3/25/43

Summary of Operations 3/26/43

Summary of Operations 3/27/43

Summary of Operations 3/27/43

Summary of Operations 3/28/43

RE: Summary of Operations 3/28/43

RE: Summary of Operations 3/28/43

Summary of Operations 3/31/43

April Fools' Day in the Pacific, 1943

April Fools' Day in the Pacific, 1943

View of the Big Picture #13

View of the Big Picture #13

View of the Big Picture #13

Summary of Operations 4/2/43

RE: Summary of Operations 3/31/43

Summary of Operations 4/4/43

Summary of Operations 4/5/43

Summary of Operations 4/6/43